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A resistor is a device or electrical component that is responsible for resisting the flow of electric current in the circuit. In electronic circuits, it is present with two terminals to reduce current flow. In general, we could understand it with an example. Suppose there is a constriction in the pipe to limit water flow. This construction can be referred to, but its function limits current. However, there are different types of resistors with unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss carbon resistors in detail. This article aims to offer some insight into the definition, uses, parts, and working of resistors composed of tiny carbon.
Definition of Carbon Resistors
The carbon resistor definition states that it is a virtual device and a fixed form of a resistor. Carbon resistors composed of tiny carbon fragments are made from a solid cylindrical resistor element. They are baked with terminal lead, making it difficult for these resistors to produce high resistances. Therefore, it is commonly seen in all electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and the CPU of laptops.
These passive electrical components are a small packet of resistance. They are all connected to restrict the flow of current. The resistance of carbon resistors is calculated in Ohms. But there may be fixed resistors or variable resistors. Only one resistance value is seen in fixed resistors, whereas there is more than one value of resistances in variable resistors.
Uses of Carbon Resistors
Carbon resistors give a high precision value of resistance. Hence, they are used in the following ways:
It is used in medical defibrillators and other measuring equipment
Resistors composed of tiny carbon can withstand 350°C temperatures, it is utilised in radar systems, X-rays, and lasers
They can endure high-energy pulses and so are used in general-purpose electronics equipment
As resistors composed of tiny carbon are coated onto a ceramic core, they can also be used in computers
It may be employed in power control circuits
Carbon resistors have different sizes with power dissipation limits and hence, in high voltage power supplies, they are widely used
When connected together, other examples of small carbon fragments applications are welding controls circuits and surge protection circuits
Parts of a Carbon Resistor
Resistors are constructed with the following variety of materials. The parts of a carbon resistor are as follows:
Nickel Cap – They are attached to the ends of the ceramic core, using nickel caps is to create a contact between carbon and lead
Ceramic Core – The ceramic core coats tiny carbon fragments present in the resistor
Leads of this type of resistor are soldered onto the nickel caps
Protective Lacquer coats the carbon resistors to provide electrical insulation to the circuit it is used in
Carbon Film – Carbon Film, an essential component of the resistor, is responsible for inhibiting current flow
How does a Carbon resistor work?
Carbon resistors are embedded in different colours in the electronic circuit to identify resistance values. They can produce accurate values of resistance. How? Let’s see the answer.
The amount of resistance given by the solid cylindrical resistor element is made by connecting small components of resistors. A spiral is turned into the wire in this resistor and then coiled on a ceramic core. The spiral varies in diameter and length according to the resistance required in the electrical circuit.
Also, the nickel caps are present at the ends to make firm contact between lead and carbon. If small resistance is needed, these nickel caps act as heat sinks. On the other hand, if large resistance is needed, metal caps are separately attached to dissipate heat produced during current flow. This, in turn, prevents the burning of carbon resistors.
When building an electronic circuit, plug these resistors. The more carbon is added to the resistor, the more it allows electric current. Though the value of resistance also depends on the length of the spiral carbon sheet.
Conclusion
To summarise, the electric current depends on the resistance offered by the resistors. The main purpose of resistors composed of tiny carbon is to limit and regulate electric current. We covered how a carbon resistor works. Remember that these types of resistors are fixed resistors whose value of resistance does not change. They have a specific value and so are used in most electronic devices. Compared to metallic resistors, carbon resistors come with the most practical purposes.
